Development

Federacion Española de Lucha Concludes Two-Year UWW Grassroot Programme - Sport for All

By United World Wrestling Press

MADRID, Spain (November 13) -- FELUCHA concluded its UWW Grassroot Programme with El Club de Luchas Olimpicas Power in Torredelcampo, Andalucia.

The club hosted over 150 children from 3 to over 14 years old on a weekly basis. Thanks to the UWW Grassroot programme funding, the club promoted wrestling throughout the entire region to recruit more children and members to the club.


A variety of promotional activities were held between 2018 and 2019 for the children and youth to familiarize and practice various activities, including wrestling. The programme was open to all youth and children, including those from disadvantaged financial incomes. Training sessions were held in a variety of sports and activities, including swimming, hiking and wrestling. 

FEL President Javier Iglesias SERNA said, "The aim of the joint initiative was to create a variety of transversal activities to engage the youth and children of this region. We want the future generation to feel considered and part of the wrestling family."

 Educational sessions were also given to the physical education teachers on techniques, nutrition, psychology while keeping the focus wrestling as a valuable educational tool.


"We are very happy and thrilled with the outcomes of such small initiatives," said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. "Federacion Espagnola de Lucha has been collaborating with UWW in the last years and is paving the way for the future generations of Spain. Now more than ever, we realize the importance of sport for all human beings, not only for the physical training but most importantly, the mental well-being. We want such initiatives within all our NF’s around the world as it is the first milestone to sports development from grassroots to elite."

Federacion de Lucha Espagnola President Francisco Javier IGLESIAS SERNA commented, "We thank UWW for its support with the Grassroot Programme - Sport for All project which has helped the development of Olympic wrestling in Spain. Spain is working on future projects in support of the base of Olympic wrestling with the creation of degrees to encourage young people and the help of sports equipment to clubs, with the support of the base we guarantee better training and greater opportunities for young people can reach technification with better training. We hope to continue counting on UWW's support for future projects."

Zagreb Hosts More Than Medals Camp Prior to Youth Olympic Games

By Lei Liang

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (July 14) - More than 90 cadet wrestlers and coaches from five continents participated in the “More than Medals” training camp at the Arena Zagreb following the Cadet World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. 

 “This edition of More than Medals was a great success, thanks to the high number of participants from all five continents. The Croatian Wrestling Federation provided excellent organization and coordination for the smooth running camp. It's the best-organized camp this year” said Ms. Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director.

The camp was focused on helping qualified athletes prepare for October’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Clinicians covered technique, as well as strength and conditioning training with Suples equipment before simulation matches took place. 

‘We are pleased that United World Wrestling decided to organize More than Medals World in Zagreb, Croatia. It has given us the opportunity to have our young wrestlers practice with world-class athletes and develop women’s wrestling in Croatia’, said Mr. Davor Jakubek, Secretary General of Croatian Wrestling Federation

Coaches clinics were also organized to encourage high-level coaches to share their experiences while learning together. 

Alexis Rodriguez, former world champion and Olympic Bronze medalist who coaches at the UWW African Centre said, “this camp is beneficial for preparing the athletes for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Many of the athletes here at the camp will be competing against each other in three months.

For more information on the development schedule, including referee and coach’s clinics, please consult the online calendars:

Educational Programs: https://unitedworldwrestling.org/development/educational-programs
Training Camps: https://unitedworldwrestling.org/development/training-camps.